Health officials have issued a warning about a recent measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) between Sept. 13 and Sept. 14. This marks the second measles exposure in Philadelphia this month, following an incident at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Individuals present at PHL during the specified times, especially those not immune, are advised to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Philadelphia health officials announced a measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) from Sept. 13 at 7:25 p.m. to 12:05 a.m. on Sept. 14. An infected individual, who remained within the airport, passed through terminals B and F, and connected areas of C, D, and E. This incident follows a separate measles exposure at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on Sept. 11, which affected various parts of the hospital, including the NICU. Authorities strongly urge anyone who was at PHL during the exposure period—especially those not immune to measles, unsure of their vaccination status, infants, pregnant individuals who are not immune, or immunocompromised individuals—to contact a health provider as soon as possible. The warning comes amid declining national MMR vaccination rates for kindergartners and ongoing measles outbreaks in Pennsylvania and other regions. Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, brain infection, and death. Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson stressed the critical importance of being fully vaccinated to protect both individuals and the community's most vulnerable members.
